"I hope I may never be tempted to try. But oh, Mr. Fitzmorris, I was sorely tempted last night to do a very dishonourable thing."
"And did the tempter succeed, Dorothy?"
"No, though I had not the courage to say 'get thee behind me Satan.' But if you will sit down under this tree, I will tell you all about it, and the many anxious thoughts that are passing through my mind."
"I am hardly old enough, Dorothy, to be a father confessor."
"But I have as much confidence in you, Mr. Fitzmorris, as though you were as old as Methuselah."
Gerard laughed heartily.
"As you have inducted me into this office, Dorothy, make a clean breast of it."
"But it is no laughing matter," quoth Dorothy, "I found it sad and serious enough."
She then informed him of the contents of Lord Wilton's letter, and showed him the check for the fifty pounds, and the mysterious sealed packet. He listened very attentively.
"It is too dark under the trees, Dorothy, to examine these important papers. Come with me into my study. There we shall be free from interruption."